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Turkmenistan Airlines, officially known as Türkmenistan awiakompaniýasy (commonly referred to as Türkmenhowaýollary), is the national flag carrier and sole airline of Turkmenistan. Headquartered in the capital city of Ashgabat, the airline operates from its primary hub at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), with secondary focus cities at Turkmenabat Airport (CRZ) and Turkmenbashi Airport (KRW). Established on May 4, 1992, shortly after Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union, the airline has grown to become a key player in connecting Turkmenistan to domestic and international destinations, offering both passenger and cargo services.
Turkmenistan Airlines was founded to provide reliable air transport services for the newly independent nation. A significant milestone came in 1992 when it became the first airline in the former Soviet Union to purchase a Boeing 737-300, marking a shift toward modernizing its fleet. In April 1993, the airline achieved full membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), solidifying its compliance with global aviation standards. The first cargo flight, operated with an IL-76, took place on April 19, 1993, from Ashgabat to Brest, Belarus.
Starting in 2001, Turkmenistan Airlines began phasing out its aging Soviet-era fleet, replacing aircraft like the Ilyushin and Tupolev models with modern Boeing aircraft, including the Boeing 717, 737, 757, and later the 777. By 2009, the airline expanded its fleet with additional Boeing 737-700s and introduced the Boeing 737-800 in 2013, with one aircraft servicing routes such as Paris. In 2014, the airline introduced long-haul flights with Boeing 777-200LRs, enabling connections to major cities like Bangkok, Beijing, Birmingham, Delhi, and Istanbul. In spring 2023, Turkmenistan Airlines made history in Central Asia by acquiring two Airbus A330-200P2F cargo aircraft, enhancing its cargo operations.
Despite challenges, such as a temporary suspension of flights to the European Union by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in February 2019 due to safety concerns, the airline resumed EU operations in December 2019 after addressing compliance issues. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a suspension of international passenger flights in March 2020, but the airline resumed key routes to cities like Dubai, Istanbul, Moscow, Frankfurt, and Abu Dhabi in 2022 as the travel industry recovered.
Turkmenistan Airlines operates a modern fleet primarily composed of Boeing aircraft, including the Boeing 717, 737, 757, and 777 models, ensuring reliability and efficiency for both short- and long-haul flights. As of May 2025, the airline’s fleet consists of 35 aircraft, with eight dedicated to cargo operations and six operated on behalf of the Turkmenistan government. The commercial passenger fleet is configured in a two-class layout, offering Business and Economy Class cabins. The recent addition of two Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft in 2023 marks the airline’s commitment to expanding its cargo capabilities, making it the first Central Asian carrier to operate this aircraft type.
All international flights are operated with Boeing aircraft piloted by crews trained in Western aviation schools, ensuring high safety and service standards. The airline has consistently modernized its fleet to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency, with in-seat personal screens for entertainment being rolled out across its aircraft.